Ex-solon believed to be among 3 bodies found in burned vehicle in Quezon

Three bodies, one of them allegedly that of former Batangas lawmaker Edgar Mendoza, were found inside a burned vehicle on Thursday in Tiaong, Quezon.

According to Police Major Lawrence Panganiban, chief of the Tiaong police, authorities will conduct DNA testing to identify the bodies.

“Kailangan po nating i-DNA para patunay na sila talaga ‘yun,” Panganiban said.

Panganiban said that the other two bodies could be of Mendoza's driver Ruel Ruiz and bodyguard Nicanor Mendoza.

Photos: Quezon PPO

The police said that a concerned citizen informed them about the vehicle burning on a bridge in Barangay San Francisco.

Police immediately went to the area and found the burning car. They were able to extinguish the fire at 2:28 p.m.

“Pagdating natin doon, wala na talaga... tupok na, sunog na sunog na ‘yung sasakyan. Saka talagang buto na talaga,” Panganiban said.

He added that the police were able to talk to Mendoza's family, who confirmed that the car was the one used by the former lawmaker when he left his residence.

“Ayon po doon sa kaniyang anak, tinuturo na ‘yun talaga ‘yung sasakyang ginamit,” Panganiban said.

Citing information from Mendoza’s family, Panganiban said the lawmaker’s relatives lost contact with him.

“‘Yun nga po, ang information nga po natin na nakuha doon sa anak ay umalis ng bahay at meron silang kliyente... kumain daw po muna, nag-lunch tapos pumunta po ng Laguna,” Panganiban said.

“After noon wala na silang communication, hindi na nila alam kung anong nangyari,” he added.

Investigation is ongoing. — BM, GMA News